The perfect curation of BIPOC and sapphic artists in Montreal.
Concordia University hosted BRIGHTSIDE Fall Market’s third edition on Oct. 5 at the SHIFT Centre for Social Transformation in the J.W. McConnell Building.
The market was created by Sweet Like Honey, a small organization that holds events for the lesbian/sapphic community and promotes the works of BIPOC artists and businesses in Montreal.
Its founder, Carmen Mayhem, felt the need to shed more light on smaller creators within the community to help them reach their fullest potential. Sweet Like Honey aims to create a space for minorities within the queer community.
“My goal is to highlight people of the community,” said Mayhem.
The idea behind the BRIGHTSIDE market was to curate a little bit of everything to the interest of potential customers while regrouping all those services in one spot. Mayhem has hosted two other markets since the creation of Sweet Like Honey, in October and in July.
The event showcased the work of jewelry makers of all kinds. Two Colombian artists that form Amuletoz focus their expertise on beaded bracelets and necklaces, such as Eras Tour friendship bracelets, while Allegra Hu of Ai Li Jewelry includes Chinese knots in her pieces, which consist of local material. The maker of Drrrrrrrip, who was also present at the event, sold diverse silver pieces.
Another major category of creators at the BRIGHTSIDE Market was printed art makers, such as interdisciplinary artists Noka Palm Trees and Syd Martinez-Khan.
“As an anxious introvert, I typically find speaking to strangers anxiety inducing,” said Martinez-Khan. “But speaking with the people who come to Sweet Like Honey markets, specifically other queer Black people, energizes me. I am so grateful for the opportunities Sweet Like Honey have given me for my art to grow.”
The event also included miscellaneous shops. One vendor made various skincare products — notably a rich body butter — and another small business specialized in crochet pieces.
The BRIGHTSIDE Market also added various services to the experience. Visitors could attend a somatic dance movements workshop with instructor Bene Nkanyi, receive a massage by a massage therapist, decorate their teeth with gems, and get a tarot reading.
The event saw a steady flow of customers throughout the day, and the vendors managed to gain recognition for their work and sell a few pieces.
A highlight for Martinez-Khan was a mother and daughter who bought each other stickers that looked like the other one.
Sweet Like Honey has yet to announce any upcoming events in the next few months. Mayhem’s grandmother recently passed away, and the founder’s priorities have recentered themselves around grieving and healing from this loss. She thanked the BIPOC and sapphic communities online for supporting her in this difficult period.
In the meantime, Mayhem’s advertising and community-building will not go to waste, as the ethically concerned consumer can still browse her Instagram page to find products in a curated catalogue of small BIPOC businesses.
